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PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

A Romantic Tragedy in Five Acts 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

A ROMANTIC TRAGEDY 
IN FIVE ACTS 

By 
ARTHUR SITGREAVES MANN 




NEW YORK 

THE GRAFTON PRESS 
PUBLISHERS 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Raceivwt 

on 1 5 1906 

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Copyright, 1906 
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The seasons come, the seasons go, 
The earth is preen or wliite wath snow, 
But time and change can naught avail 
To break the friendships formed at Yale. 

Cakm. Yalen. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 

King VVratislas of Bohemia. 

King Budimih of Bulgaria. 

Prince Ivo, Son of Wratislas. 

Constant, Friend of Ivo. 

Duke Sigismund, Brother of Budimir. 

OrrocAR THE Black, Chieftain of the Serbians. 

A Host. 

Captain of the Guard. 

Lords of the Bulgarian Court. 

Servants. 

Princess Sevna, Daughter of Budimir. 
Kara, Daughter of Ottocar. 

Act I Scene 1 The gardens of the palace of King Wratislas. 

Scene 2 The tower of Ottocar's castle. 

Scene 3 An inn. 
Act II The reception hall in the palace of King Budimir. 
Act III A hall in the palace of Duke Sigismund. 
Act IV Scene 1 The tower of Ottocar's castle. 

Scene 2 Hall in Duke Sigismund's palace. 
Act III A turret chamber in King Budimir's palace. 



Prince Ivo of Bohemia 



ACT I 

Scene 1 

In tJie gardens of the 'palace of King Wratislas. 

TJie 'palace stands on one side of the stage, one gray stone iving 
of it showing through the trees and shrubbery. In the center 
is a fountain, alongside of 'which two young rnen are seated. 
Prince Ivo on the grass leaning against a rock. Constant on a 
bench near him. Both 'men are about twenty-three years old. 
Ivo is slender, more active, and rather more handsome; Con- 
stant has a more powerful frame, and his face is more serious 
and thoughtful. 

Ivo 

Adventures, Constant ? why, the world is dead. 
And we who live in these benighted days 
May never hope again to have the luck 
To make our swords dance in a gallant cause. 

Constant 

Indeed it is a weary, useless world. 
But then, my lord, remember all the past; 
Young as we are we have not lived in vain. 
Do you forget the day the Romagnese 

9 



10 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Trapped us a-courting just within their Uncs, 
Two men to five ? That was a stirring day. 

Ivo 

Ah, Constant, Constant, Httle did I think 
That you would care to bring that back to mind. 
I caught a ghmpse of you as you stood there, 
Desperately cornered, all your face in knots, 
And those two villains just about to end you. 
Where had you been except for little Rose ? 
I'll not forget how she upset the chair 
And tripped the fellow in the yellow coat 
To give you time to take them one by one. 

Constant 

But, Ivo, who was the man that ran away 
And had to find a refuge on the stairs 
Where only one could come at him at once. 
And that at disadvantage "? By the saints. 
Those Romagnese were braver men than you. 

Ivo 

Enough, I yield, but there were other times, — 
It's six years now since you first came to court. 
Six years, and what an agelong life they've been. 
We've seen each other through many a narrow place 
Since those first hours; we've shared the hunt, the camp. 
Stood by each other's side when swords were out. 
And seen both sides of fortune. Those were dark days 
When that accursed Hapsburg brood pressed hard 
Our little kingdom. O that fearful night 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 11 

On Unterbergen field when all seemed lost. 

And you and I with scarce a thousand men. 

Weary and spent, waited for break of day 

To see if Kleindorf pass had been cut off 

And we surrounded! Then those anxious weeks 

When we were on the run like mountain goats, 

Until at last the Emperor interposed 

And the peace was made that left Bohemia free. 

Constant 

And yet if I could have these years again , 
I'd rather take those weeks among the rocks. 
When every moment held a chance of death 
And every sword-stroke meant one Austrian gone. 
Than all the rest combined. Oh, that was life ! 

A page enters 
Page 

My lord, the king approaches. 

Ivo Let him come. 

He's a good father to me. Constant, though 
I wish he were not quite so much oppressed 
With the mighty cares of vast Bohemia. 
When I am king, I'll wear a softer crown. 

Constant 

I warrant you will. You'll make me do the work. 

Ivo 

And if you object, to the deepest keep you go. 



12 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Enter King Wratislas 
Wratislas 
My son. 

Ivo My liege. 

Wratislas Good day to you, my lord. 

Constant 

Your majesty, may Heaven send you peace. 

Wratislas 

Ivo, what do you now ? Are you engaged 
On any pressing matter? 

Ivo Father, no. 

Wratislas 

Then I would ask to speak with you a while 
On a matter deeply touching all of us. 
Have you thought of marriage "f 

Ivo Faith, a hundred times. 

Wratislas 

Yes, as boys will, but ever seriously ? 

Ivo 

It seemed so at the time. There's Margaret 
To whom I vowed my knightly loyalty, 
And Jeanne of France who nearly broke my heart 
When she went hence, and many another too. 
But, father, in all proper earnestness. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 13 

As befits a matter of so great import, 

My heart is free and my princely hand unpledged. 

So if you have a princess to my taste 

I'll be obedient and do your will. 

Who is she ? 

Wratislas The Princess Sevna of Bulgaria. 

I pray you, Ivo, take the thing to heart. 
Our brave Bohemia is sore beset 
On every side by grasping jealous foes. 
And we must make the most of each resource. 
Bulgaria's interests now seem knit with ours. 
And to make the alliance firm King Budimir 
Doth urge this marriage. Then, too, the girl is fair. 
And fit to be the consort of a king. 

Ivo 

Is this already ripe ? Do you intend 
At once to consummate the match ? I like it not. 
I thought you spoke of some far-distant plan, 
Not thus so soon to end my liberty. 

Wratislas 

No, Ivo, time is precious. We must haste 
In all we seek to do. 

Ivo Then grant a space 

Of quiet for me to consider this. 

Wratislas 

The thing must be, yet I'll not press too hard. 
One month I grant you to return consent. 



14 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Ivo 

Father, I thank you ; in one month I'll speak. 

Wratislas 

Then fare you well, I know you will not fail. 
Adieu, Lord Constant 

Constant Adieu, your majesty. 

Exit King Wratislas. 

Ivo 

The Princess Sevna of Bulgaria ! — 
Constant, are then those happy days to end. 
When we were errant Icnights and every maid 
Might chance to prove the princess of the tale, 
In a dull flat union forged by statecraft cold .'* 
One more adventure. Constant, ere the close! 
Let's go seek out the fair Bulgarian 
And meet her once with plain unblazoned shield, 
As man to maid, and see what then results. 
My heart was made for love and I'll not love 
This easy gift of shrewd diplomacy. 
On with your spurs, my boy, we ride to-day 
To win a bride or wreck their politics. 

Constant 

My spurs are on, my lord. You'll never find 
You have to wait for me. 

Ivo Your hand in this. 

Conradin, ho, Conradin, tell the king 
That I have gone up to the hills to hunt; 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 15 

And make things ready. In one hour we leave. 
His attendant enters at the call. 
Conradin 

'Tis done, ray lord. 

Ivo Now, Constant, to the fray. 

Curtain 

Scene 2 
Three days later. 

A tower on the castle of Ottocar the Black. The castle stands 
on an elevation, and the moonlight shows ragged mountains 
on every side. As the curtain rises Prince Ivo folhnvs Kara 
out upon the toiver. 

Kara 

Behold the realm of Ottocar the Black! 

A few wild hills and rocky river-beds. 

But yet my country. I have been at Rome, 

The imperial city with its granite walls 

And marble palaces, and yet I love 

Yon living rocks that the running waters carve 

Into fantastic piles and strange mosaics 

Better than all the wealth of chiseled Rome. 

Ivo 

I never hoped to be received as guest 
In Ottocar's domains. 

Kara I know your thoughts. 

You held us wilder than our mountain wolves 



16 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

That sometimes come to prey on your rich plains, 
And like them to be hunted. 

Ivo Truth to tell. 

As child I feared the name of Ottocar, 
The desperate chief of the outlawed Serbian race. 

Kara 

And yet it was a knightly deed of yours 
To grant the captive maid her free release. 
I would have been a hostage of great worth. 
To guard your country from my father's raids. 
My sullen captor seemed a trifle vexed 
At your command to set me free again. 

Ivo 

War upon women! Bohemia's officers 

Were never trained to that. My country's honor 

Compelled my interference. I am glad 

My rank bore with it the authority 

To give you freedom. 

Kara Noble blood is yours, 

Did you not say ? 

Ivo Count Ziska is my name. 

And my Uneage lost in ages far remote. 
The spray of southern seas is in our blood. 
But sweeter than the music of the waves 
We found the gallop of a horse's hoofs, 
And carried far our conquests. Now we rest, 
Seeking to hold the spoil our fathers won. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 17 

But still there sometimes comes across my mind 

Like voices calling from the distant hills 

An impulse bidding mo arise and go 

To unknown lands where unknown dangers wait 

And deeds are worth the doing. 

Kara Then you never feel 

A passionate and longing love for home. 
Look ! See that darkened mountain chain that stands 
So black against the moonlight, every peak 
And every path of that wild range I know. 
I have sat for hours by one waterfall 
And looked and listened there until my heart 
Began to understand the mysteries 
That lie within the forest and the glen. 
All passion, all desire fade away; 
The deep tears come, and the waters still plunge on. 
Until I turn away unfit to share 
In nature's calm eternal solitude. 
I want no other spot on earth than this, 
My mountains are enough. 

Tvo May not some day 

A lover dare to claim you for his own. 
And bear you far away from these stern cliffs 
To a fairer, richer land ? 

Kara No fairer land 

Exists for me than this, nor ever will. 

Ivo 
V But may not love at last prove conqueror ? 



18 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Will you not love so deeply that your heart 
Will bid you leave your home and go with him 
With whom alone you can find happiness ? 

Kara 

I do not think that I shall ever love. 
My father holds my fate, I look to him; 
And I shall wed some stalwart mountaineer 
Living in reckless ease upon the spoil 
He gathers from your rich and sluggish plains. 
And I shall still be free to wander far 
Among the mountain passes, and to sit 
In contemplation by my waterfall. 

Ivo 

Then, Kara, dare I never say, I love you ? 

Kara 

No, never. 

Ivo But all my life calls out to \r)U 

And I must love you, 

Kara I do not believe 

That you can speak with passionate intent. 
And if your heart is now alive with love, 
'Tis but the passing fancy of the night 
Roused by the wildness of our mountain home 
And our strange meeting here beneath the stars. 

Ivo 

Oh, but the very strangeness of the tale 
Bears witness that it shall not come to naught. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 19 

Kara 

I dare not hear you speak. — My lord ! 'tis late, 
And therefore I must bid to you good night. 
Come, let us enter. 

Ivo And is this farewell? • 

Kara 

No longer may I entertain you here, 
My lord. I dare not face my father's wrath, 
If he return and find you as our guest; 
You, whom he rightly holds to be his foe. 
For though you deem us robbers, yet a tale 
Of cruelty and wrong we too can tell. 
Forget this day and turn again to war, 
And yet, and yet, count one of us your friend. 

Ivo 

Then it must be farewell, yet let me say 
That I will not forget. 

Kara Let us go in. 

Curtain 

Scene 3 

The next evening. 

An Inn. Ivo and Constant are seated at a table, with the land- 
lord serving them. 

Constant 

Here, Ivo, drink, another day's march done 
And our adventures nearer. Here's to good luck! 



20 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Ivo 

Adventures nearer! Have we not begun? 
To enter the hold of Ottocar the Black 
And stand at midnight on his parapets 
With his fair daughter, is not that enough? 

Constant 

That's but an incident, while on our plan 
Of meeting Sevna hangs the nation's fate. 

Ivo 

Sevna, the princess, how I hate the name! 
She will be ugly, fat, and slow of wdt. 
Her mind all set on courtly etiquette. 
Not like my mountain hawk of yesterday. 

Constant 

They say she's beautiful. 

Ivo Of course they do. 

And so have I been called most erudite 
Because I could decline a Latin noun. 

Constant 

But then — I'm sure I know her type — she's not 
One of those limpid uncompounded minds 
That has never felt the restless interplay 
Of many struggling motives. Lady Kara, now. 
Has walked the path that fate has marked for her. 
No questions cross her life excepting those 
Of undiluted right and wrong. Find out 
Her two or three main traits — 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 21 

Ivo Now, Constant, hold! 

None of your deep analyses to-night. 
Take some more wine and you'll feel happier. 
If you had been in my place on the tower, 
You would have only wished to hear her voice 
And look into her eyes. — She's beautiful. 

Constant 

Beautiful, yes, I grant it; little more. 
However. — Do you know the road from here ? 
Shall we have rough work to-morrow ? 

Ivo I think not. — 

I wonder when we two will meet again. 
Can't we evade old Ottocar some day? 

Constant 

He'll have her married soon. — Is your horse sound ? 
I saw he limped a bit. 

Ivo I fear he will 

On our return. I'll take my chances there. 
I'd like to face the wolf. 

Constant I think you'd get 

A gentle hint you were not welcome there. 
Just think of who they are. 

Ivo You frighten me? 

I'd go to-night to take a challenge up. 
Do you think I fear this Ottocar the Black ? 
We'd hurl his castle mto his ravines 
If he showed treachery. 



22 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Constant I only meant 

It's wasted time, and we have other things 
To do. Remember we are on the road 
To seek Bulgaria. 

Ivo Confound the place. 

I never want to see it. I must see 
My Lady Kara once again. I'll go 
To-morrow, Constant, if ten Ottocars 
Should bar my passage. 

Constant But, Prince Ivo, think — 

Your father and Bohemia; this is no time 
For boyish dreams. 

Ivo Are you afraid to go ? 

You boasted once that you would follow me 
Into any danger; show your courage now. 

Constant 

Afraid ! you have no right to say that word. 

I've stood ere this when you were down, and held 

Our foes at bay. But if you go back now. 

And trust your freedom to a robber's mercy, 

To see this girl whom you can never have. 

When your country's dearest interests are at stake, 

You show yourself a traitor to your race. 

Ivo 

A traitor! take that back or never call 
Me friend. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 23 

Constant A traitor to your country, prince, 
If you return. 

Ivo starts to draw his sivord ]rom the scabbard. Constant 
with a sivift viovement throws aside the table, hurls 
himself jorward and seizes him around the waist. A 
fierce struggle follows, both go down, but Constant re- 
tains the advantage of the attack and soon lias the 
'prince helpless beneath him. Wresting Ivo's sword 
from him he throws it across the room. Then he 
loosens his hold and rises. Ivo cdso rises slowly and 
the two men stand silent for an interval. Constant 
maintains a look of resolute composure, while Ivo first 
looks at him in anger and then lets fall his eyes. 
The silence becomes oppressive. Then the landlord, 
who had left abruptly when the quarrel began, reap- 
pears ivith wine. He speaks to Constant. 

Landlord 

There's no harm done, I hope. 

Constant relaxes his intense expression and shakes his head. 
The landlord turns to Ivo. 

My lord, some wine, 
'Twill mend a quarrel as well as bring it on. 

Ivo 

Ah, that is good. Constant, will you drink too "i 
Or was not my resistance hard enough 
To rouse your thirst? 

Constant I think our host'-s good wine 

Will not go begging here. Ivo, I give a health. 



24 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

The Princess Sevna of Bulgaria. 

Ivo slowly fills a glass and reluctantly drinks. 
Ivo 

Bulgaria it is. 

Curtain 



ACT II 

A great state reception and revel of the Bulgarian court. 

Enter King Budimir and Princess Sevna and take seats upon 
a dais. Nobles in succession make obeisance. 

1st Lord 

My sovereign liege! 

King Budimir Welcome, my lord, you're not 

The fool I thought you once. 

2d Lord Most gracious king! 

King Budimir 

\Miat, knave, do you dare show yourself to me? 
Did I not bid you go and herd your swine ? 

2d Lord 

But, sire, — 

King Budimir 

No words, go get you hence! I'll have 
No cunning, smiling, rotten pander here. 

Exit 2d Lord in confusion. 
Herald 
Two nobles from Bohemia lately come 
Would see your majesty. 

25 



26 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Kiiuj Budimir Bid them approach. 

Herald {announces) 

Count Ziska and Count Bors. 

Enter Ivo and Constant 
Ivo Your majesty. 

May heaven send you victory and wealth. 

King Budimir 

Welcome, my lords, if from Bohemia 
You come, for Wratislas and we do now 
Account ourselves as brothers. 

Ivo Sire, we come 

Bearers of letters from Prince Ivo's hand 
To prove our friendship to Bulgaria. 

Ivo presents letter. King Budimir takes and reads it, speak- 
ing to himself. 

King Budimir 

Hm ! " Friends of Ivo, traveling gentlemen. 
Who wish to see the world and prove the fame 
Of other realms, and first Bulgaria." 

(Openly) 
I see your prince commends you. Has that boy 
Yet calmed the madness of his early blood 
Enough to deal in high affairs of state. 
Or is he still expert in lady's bower 
And court buffoon within the council room.'' 

Consta7it 

My lord. Prince Ivo shows in time of peace 
The same staunch heart as on the battle-field. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 27 

King Budimir 

A knave can fijijlit, it needs a kinfj to rule. 

But that the boy has noble qualities 

I'll not deny. Had he his father's wit 

Bohemia were happy. But the dance! 

Young men will turn to follow butterflies 

When kingdoms crash around thorn. Will it please 

You then to share our folly here, my lords.^ 

Daughter, two nobles from Bohemia 

Whose presence honors our unworthy court. 

My lords, the Princess Sevna, our fair child. 

Has Bohemia her equal ? Daughter, go, 

And tread a measure with these stranger knights. 

Constant forces Ivo forward, and the latter leads out the 
'princess without speaking. 
Sevna 

My lord, we make you welcome to our court. 

Ivo {indifferently) 

My thanks, fair princess, I have long desired 
To see your land. 
{A pause) 

Sevna And does it please you now? 

Ivo 

You have a fertile country, but the plains 
Did never hold my fancy like the hills. 

Sevna 

Mountains for hunters ! The plains for nobler men 



28 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Who know the wisdom of the ancient dead 
And build upon it. 

Ivo The wisdom of your books, 

The deep, dry digging of philosophers. 
Is not worth one free hour of mountain air. 

Sevna 

You seek the body's freedom, not the soul's; 
You climb high peaks, but we draw nearer God 
Who seek Him on the heights of life and thought 
Than you who draw full breath and eat and sleep 
And find no gain beyond the hour's thrill. 

Ivo 

You study life, but it is we who live. 

The dance now begins. When it is ended, they renew their 
conversation. 

Ivo 

Like you thinks also my friend here, when fall'n 
In meditative mood, or when some blow 
Upsets his hopes, but let him have a horse. 
Fair field, no favor, and a better man 
Never set merrily to join a fray. 

Sevna 

He knows both how to dream and act ? Ah, then 
He drinks life down to the bottom of the cup. 
We, pent inactive, miss the thrill and sting. 
You, with your action, miss the deeper sight. 
If he grasp both, that were a perfect life. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 29 

Ivo 

Ah, princess, I have journeyed by his side 

Through many a fateful year, and I can say 

No deeper, truer comrade ever breathed; 

No man of keener insight, stronger love, 

And nobler heart, than he who yonder stands. 

I am a man whom fortune should have made 

A wandering trooper, free to come and go, 

Wlio could live and laugh and play the fool and die, 

With never a soul to care the lightest straw. 

Except perhaps some one or two who loved me; 

But fate in her caprice — 

He stops, there is a pause, and then Ivo says: 
Shall we return ? 
Sevna 

Think you your friend would dance? Such merit rare 

Would well be worth the knowing. 

Ivo (imth deep respect. He has been much impressed by the 
conversation, though it is evident that he and the princess 
could never stir each other^s deepest feelings) 

Greater honor 
Could, princess, not be his nor any man's. 

Sevna 

My thanks, my lord. 

They return to the dais, where Constant stands in earnest 
conversation with King Budimir. 

King Budimir 

What, ended ? Daughter, come and rest. 



30 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Sevna Ah, no, 

The music and the passion of the dance 
Are in my blood and now I cannot cease. 

Budimir 

Then as you wish it. Sir, I find your talk 
On matters of the day to have some worth. 
But since ray daughter would not end the dance, 
And in her woman's world her will is law. 
We'll adjourn our converse to another time, 
While you twain go and test each other's skill. 
Constant and Sevna bow and he leads her out. 
After the dance, Ivo and King Budimir being engaged in 
conversation, which has drawn in the surrounding 
nobles, they go aside to talk. 

Sevna 

How did you soften my stern father's heart 
So as to gain his praise ? A word unmixed 
With scorn or anger never leaves his lips, 
Save when he speaks to me. I tell you this, 
That in the future you may hold your guard. 

Constant 

Your father's biting tongue was known to me. 

But that he is a ruler of great weight, 

A skilful soldier, a most dangerous foe. 

And an ally of inestimable worth 

Has also reached my knowledge. So my hopes 

Are set on closer friendship 'twixt your land 

And our Bohemia; for we are pressed 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 31 

By many jealous foes, as also you, 

And only by this compact both our states 

Can face unshaken all hostility. 

Sev7ia 

Your words arc wise, but yet, — I somehow fear, 

I may not tell just why, this planning shrewd 

Of ministers and diplomats and kings 

Expects to use some pieces in the game 

Which will not willingly be moved. But after all 

Are we not pieces in the hands of fate. 

Moved helplessly from square to square of life. 

Whether we struggle fiercely, or submit 

As best we can to the will that governs us ? 

Tell me, my lord, what you think; for I here 

Am gently coaxed to this and forced to that, 

Perform my father's bidding, bow myself 

Before the sage advice of counselors. 

Find my friends chosen, all my life mapped out 

By others, until at last I grow to doubt 

Whether a spark of freedom is my own. 

And yet if I say that, within me cries 

A voice imperious, which will not rest. 

Asserting that my soul is lord and free. 

Which seems the truth, freedom or slavery? 

Constant 

Man's life is of two parts. He finds himself 
Bom to a world which he did not create; 
His parents, rank, and state are not his choice. 
Nor yet that quality of natural worth 



32 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Which makes him hero, weakHng, genius, dolt, 

And as he treads the path of daily life 

A thousand haps and mishaps shape his fate, 

Wliich he could never alter nor foresee. 

Some stroke of fortune raises one to wealth. 

Another by sheer accident is maimed, 

And all his life is blasted. Wherefore then 

Befret ourselves about that outward world. 

The destiny which we cannot control ? 

Life brings us happiness — let us be glad; 

It brings us sorrow — let us show ourselves 

Strong to endure the burden of our pains, 

For fortitude alone can conquer them. 

Not moaning, nor complaint, nor futile kicks. 

Such is one part of life. The other lies 

Not in the play of outward circumstance. 

But in that realm of inner life in which 

Man's will is regal. Like yours, my heart cries out : 

Mine honor and dishonor are mine own 

To choose, and not another for me. Thus, 

As on life's road I travel, all fate's gifts 

And blows I strive to take with even mind; 

Nor wild with joy, nor overcome by pain. 

My only effort, to lead such a life 

That, were its inmost secrets shown to one 

Of unstained, radiant honor, I would dare 

To look him in the face. God knows I've sinned. 

But thro' weakness, not thro' baseness, and my quest 

Shall ever be to make my weakness strong. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 33 

Sevna 

You seem to make things clear that puzzled me. 

But you are strong, your right hand hews its way 

Straight thro' the thick of stern adversities, 

You are not hemmed in, baffled, made a child 

At others' service. Oh, that I were free 

To lead my life, to follow out my dreams! 

For sometimes when I steal a quiet hour 

To muse upon the pages of my books 

(But oh, I have so few) there comes a gleam 

From an unknown world I fain would penetrate, 

A world of mystic beauty, whose fair shapes 

And strains of music and echoes of high thoughts 

Linger a, moment in my wistful mind 

And then depart. But when I would return 

To cross the boundary of that other land 

There comes the hunt, the dance, the weary round 

Of courtly etiquette, and I must talk 

And try to please and wear a smiling face, 

Barred from the land whose sights I hunger for. 

Constant 

I think I understand you, and I feel 
How hard a life must be when the spirit seeks 
True comradeship, true sympathy, and finds 
Only the husks and shells of social life. 

Sevna 

Yes, husks and shells, that's what they feed me on. 
And now to crown their work I hear they plan 
To sell me, soul and body, that they may 



34 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Build higher their ambition, gather more 
Of husks and shells for all of us to cat. 
In short they soon will seek to make me wed 
A man who cares for nothing but his horse, 
His wine, his — 

Constant My lady, stop, you know not what 

You speak. 

Sevna Will you too then refuse to hear ? 

I know I should not speak, but here I have 
Not a single friend to whom I dare to talk. 
And in your face I read a sympathy 
Which I have rarely known. 

Constant (aside) Perhaps our hope 

Lies in my winning her to Ivo's side. 

(Openly) 
My lady, mayhap you have wrongly read 
The character of him of whom you speak. 
False rumors often reach us, and the truth 
May contradict your fears. 

Sevna It cannot be. 

I'm not deceived, this wastrel prince's fame 
Has come to me from many trusted lips, 
And, even though he be not wholly brute. 
Savage and swinish, yet he is not one 
To break my bonds of bitter servitude. 
Oh, I have dreamed, in the way a man knows not, 
Of one who comes to set me free at last, 
The sunlight on his armor and his face 



nilNCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 35 

Imperishahly stamped as one of those 
That read the mysteries of Hfe and death. 
And to be given to this animal ! 
How will my heart endure? 

Constant I will be bold 

If you will suffer me this liberty. 
It is Prince Ivo of Bohemia 
Of whom you speak ? 

Sevna None other. 

Constant Then you wrong 

The noblest gentleman that ever drew 
His sword for honor, home, and liberty. 

Sevna 

I had forgot he was your countryman. 

I beg forgiveness ; it may be the heat 

Of many a former grievance roused my heart 

To utter words unseemly. 

Constant It is not 

You, but false tongues that I would challenge here. 
You have not seen him? 

Sevna No. 

Constant Then take my word 

As of one who in the battle and the camp. 
In sore distress and flush of victory, 
Has followed Ivo's fortunes, and not yet 
Has seen him wrong another, crush the weak. 



36 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Humiliate the fallen, or show aught 

Except the bearing of a gallant loiight. 

The spirit of the South is in his heart, 

High hopes, deep tenderness, impassioned life. 

And the luring charm of wooded, sun-kissed hills. 

My lady, never has love better worth 

The winning called for answering love than his. 

Sevna 

'Twill call in vain if it seeks an answer here. 

He could not touch my heart. At best he were 

Such as your comrade here, — who might deserve 

The praise which you have lavished on your prince, — 

The very image of a perfect knight 

And yet without that vision in his soul 

Which brings the larger light, and that I seek. 

You pardon me ? My speech is very bold. 

But just to-day it chanced that stroke on stroke 

Has fallen on me, stinging maddeningly, 

And to-night I care not. Should it wreck the world 

Yet I must speak. I can trust you, can I not.'' 

Constant 

My lady, to the death. 

Sevna And you'll forgive 

What I have said, my rancor toward your prince, 

And my judgment of your friend, and you'll forget 

The unmeant words I spoke against my home. 

And if I must accept the fate they plan, 

You'll sometimes see me and help me with such thoughts 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 37 

As you have done to-night ? I shall be glad 
To think that you are from Bohemia. 

Constant 

My lady, O that I could bring to you 

The freedom you thirst for ! O if I could clear 

Your pathway to the land you long to see! 

If I could dash all obstacles aside! 

For never have I heard a voice that called 

My spirit to eager service, like yours to-night. 

For life, for death, count on my life as yours. 

Can I do nothing.-^ 

Sevna Stop, say not too much. 

Constant 

I also serve my prince in serving you. 

Sevna 

It is not Ivo that can set me free. 

Constant 
But it must be; princess, you must be his. 

Sevna 

No, never. God, what will the future be .'' 

She turns aivay and lets fall her head upon her arms. Sud- 
denly she straightens herself in complete self-possession, 
cold as a statue. 
My lord, perhaps they wait our coming, so 
Let us attend the king. 

They return and find Ivo and King Budimir in angry dis- 



38 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

cussion. A group has been formed into which Constant 
and Sevna slip without being noticed. Both contest- 
ants are completely beside themselves with rage. 

Ivo (sneeringly) And so you plan 

To make alliance 'twixt your state and ours ? 

King Budimir 

I plan ! why, boy, that old fool Wratislas 
Fell on his knees to beg some aid from us. 
Such whining, pitiful letters I've not read 
As those he wrote us, of Bohemia lost 
Unless we helped him, savage foes which he 
Alone could not resist, and all such talk. 
And it is true. Why, if I stir my hand. 
It's time for you to go and choose your graves. 

Ivo 

When Wratislas went on his knees to you 
It must have been the day that he was told 
By his confessor to abase himself 
By doing reverence to his inferiors. 

King Budimir 

What, in my court ? Do you dare mock me here ? 
By Heaven, beware. 

Ivo And then, what you just said, 

This marriage, — I expect to hear you tell 
How Wratislas and Ivo came like dogs 
Seeking a bone, to ask your daughter's hand. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 3!) 

King Budimir 

The shame is mine that I could ever dream 

Of wedding my daughter to that base-born wretch. 

Ivo 

And how did Ivo ask ? did lie too beg 
And fawn upon your knees ? 

King Budimir A dog were proud 

Compared to him. 

Ivo So then he really asked 

That he might marry her? 

King Budimir Heaven's curses, yes. 

Ivo 

Then let me tell you to your lying face 

That Ivo of Bohemia would not take 

Your daughter as his vi^ife were he to die 

A million deaths, and Bohemia sink to Hell. 

He catches sight of Sevna and bows slightly toward her. 

Not because she is other than divine, 

But because she is your daughter. 
Lord (breaking in and catching the king's arm) 

Sire, cease. 

Why heed this madman ? How can his words have weight ? 

Ivo 

Fool, I am Ivo of Bohemia. 

He draws himself up to his full height and gazes defiantly 
at the king. A moment's silence, then wild confusion 
and cries of " Treachery,'' " The guards," " Seize him." 



40 PRINCE rVO OF BOHEMIA 

A rush is made at Ivo, he is half knocked down and 
dragged off. Sevna, who has all this time been clinging 
heavily to Constant, preventing him from action, falls 
half fainting in his arms. A motion is made at Con- 
stant, but he draws his sword with one free arm and 
waves his assailants back. 

Sevna 

Have all things ended ? Has the world gone mad ? 

Constant 

The world may end to-night, but you and I 
Have found each other. 

Curtain 



ACT III 

The palace of Duke Sigismund. A large hall, splendidly fur- 
nished and ornamented with weapons and antlers. At one 
end of it there is a fireplace and a bright fire of logs. 

Time, the next morning. 
Sigismund, Constant. 
Constant 

So then, my lord, to end the sorry tale, — 

Prince Ivo losing all his self-control 

And the king perhaps still more beside himself. 

They gave their tongues the rein and charged each other 

In full career, and in faith the king was not 

The one that got the better of the tilt. 

How Ivo let him have it ! So I doubt 

If less than blood will soothe the angry king; 

And now he has Prince Ivo in his hands 

I tremble lest he may at once resolve 

To take a prompt and summary revenge. 

O how could Ivo ever have been so mad 

As to brave the king in his insensate way 

And bring this useless peril on himself? 

Sigismwid 

A most strange passion, anger! How blind are men 
To let the devil thus make of them his fools. 
And for the sake of uttering one hot word 

41 



42 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMU 

Press forward to inevitable wreck. 
As they do daily! But how ended this affair? 
The king has Ivo fast, and you yourself. 
Tell me how you came hither. 

Constant My good lord. 

At Ivo's last wild words those standing by 
Fearing some act of violence seized upon him. 
And at the king's command he was placed in guard 
Until to-day, when this affair's conclusion 
Should be determined. As for me myself, 
I had, before this strife of theirs began. 
With Princess Sevna drawn apart awhile 
For conversation, and then as we returned 
We found them at their fury's height; so thus 
I had no part whether for good or ill 
In this sad matter. Then when all was over 
The Princess Sevna bade me come with her 
And seek with you a refuge. 

Sigismund Sevna then 

It was that brought you hither ? 

Constant Yes, she said 

That at this time it chanced that she herself 
Was guest of yours and hence could gain for me 
An entrance to your halls : so we forthwith 
Came hither and through her kind offices 
I found last night an entertainment here. 
My lord, I have been forward thus to thrust 
Myself within strange walls, but I urge only 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 43 

Tlie Princess' bidding, and I beg your grace 
To hold me as a friend and not a spy. 

Sigisjnund 

My lord, since Princess Sevna brings you here 

You are most welcome, and all that our poor house 

Can offer, count as yours. She is my niece, 

As you may have learned ere this, and my daughter too, 

For as oft as she can steal away from court 

She comes to cheer an old man's loneliness. 

I am not one that seeks to play a part 

In the affairs of nations, and from Budimir 

I would rather ask his daughter's company 

Than all his royalty. She, too, I think, 

Is not averse to a quieter retreat 

Than the court affords her; therefore in my house 

She is the mistress and her guests are mine. 

Constant 

My lord, to you and her my thanks are due. 

Nor can I soon forget your kindness here. 

For now I stand at such a desperate pitch 

Of fate, that to the utmost I must strain 

Each chance of friendship that may present itself. 

Prince Ivo lies in mortal danger. You 

Are the king's own brother. I beseech you then 

To go to him and by your influence 

Save Ivo and avert the threatening clash. 

I have little claim upon you, — that I know, — 

But yet because of both our countries' sake 

I implore you now to do this deed of peace. 



44 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Sigismund 

Nay, there you ask too much. You are welcome here 

For Princess Sevna's sake, and for your own. 

But from such tangled points as these you tell 

I long ago resolved to hold aloof. 

King Budimir is jealous, and should I 

Try to direct his actions, there would be, 

Even though we are brothers, bitter strife. 

He tolerates no rival, I alone 

In all the kingdom am free to go my way 

Without his interference: I alone 

Can promise you to keep inviolate 

The honor due you as a guest. But if 

I once began to touch the king's affairs 

Our concord soon would end. So I cannot. 

Even for this cause, pass outside my sphere, 

And enter Budimir's. 

Constant Then what is left 

For me to do ? 

Sigismund I can advise you naught. 

Enter a servant 

Servant 

My lord. Prince Ivo of Bohemia, 

Escorted by a troop of horse, has come 

And asks to see you and your guest Lord Constant. 

Constant 

Thank God, then Ivo's safe. 

Sigismund Bid him come in. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 45 

Enter Ivo 
Prince Ivo, welcome. 

Ivo My thanks, Duke Sigismund. 

Constant 

Ivo, how is it ? How do matters stand ? 
You've ended the dispute?- Ah, but I'm glad 
To see you. 

Ivo Ended ? Yes, ended just as much 

As the devil himself is ended. What a fool, 
O Constant, what a fool I was ! 

Constant But, Ivo, 

You're safe, you're free ? 

Ivo Yes, safe, but what a cost! 

O father, how can I look on you again ? 
They'd better have killed me. 

Sigismund Then, my lord prince, the king 

Retains his anger? 

Ivo Increased a thousand-fold. 

They say, who know him best, a black, hard hate 
That never will relent. 

Sigismund But yet he spares 

To strike you ? 

Ivo Yes, but just that he may take 

A fiercer vengeance. O my native land ! 



46 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Constant 

But, prince, you see things in too dark a light. 
Hope's not dead yet. You were always at extremes 
Whether of joy or fear. Now that the king 
Has failed to act in his first burst of wrath 
His passion soon will moderate itself. 
To-day was what I feared. 

Sigismund What are his threats? 

Ivo 

War, bitter war, until Bohemia 

From among her smoking towns shall curse the day 

She e'er gave Ivo birth. 

Constant And if it's war 

Why should Bulgaria be so sure to win ? 
Shame, Ivo! Call your courage back again. 
It's not like you to quail before a foe. 

Ivo 

For this sad struggle I have little heart. 

If, as of old, I girded on my sword 

Clean-hearted, fighting in a worthy cause, 

I'd go to war as quick as to a feast. 

But now {half drawing his sivord) her edge is blunted. 

Sigismund My lord prince, 

I am very sorry to hear such evil news. 
And I hope that neither for your state nor ours 
Such troubles may occur. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 47 

Constant My lord, indeed 

When things go heavily the prince is hkc 
To see them at their worst. Another day 
May change this matter's looks. But, Ivo, now 
What are your purposes ? 

Ivo They're fixed for me. 

King Budimir this morning called me forth. 
And in few words this business was despatched. — 
Within the day a troop of cavalry 
Would see me to the frontier, then — red war. 
I asked for you, an inquiry was made. 
They named the duke; the king then sent me here 
To take you with me. And let us not delay. 

Constant 

At once ? to leave the country ? 

Ivo Ay, you'd not 

Expect a further entertainment, would you ? 

Constant 

But, Ivo, let me think. I have made plans. 
This war, we must prevent it, calm the king. 
Find friends, bring influence — 

Ivo And who, I pray. 

Is strong enough to tame this maddened king.'' 
Where are your friends ? 

Constant Duke Sigismund — 

Sigismund No, no. 

I cannot interfere. 



48 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Ivo Who else? 

Constant Well, then, — 

If you, my lord, will pardon, — I hope to see 
The Princess Sevna and secure her promise 
To try to move the king. 

Ivo You're right, in that 

There is a chance. 

Constant (to Sigismund) My lord, do you consent 
To this? 

Sigismund 

It seems an honorable course. 
Shall I call the princess ? 

Constant Sir, 'tis what we wish. 

Sigismund (striking his hands together and speaJcing to servant 
who enters) 
Request the Princess Sevna's presence here. 

There is an interval. Ivo stands Tnoodily with head cast 

down, while Constant in restlessness walks to and fro. 
Sevna enters nervous and apprehensive, and tvith her face 
showing marks of sleeplessness. All bow. Sevna turns 
away from Ivo and Constant and goes to the duke, who 
kisses her on the forehead. 

Sevna 

You summoned me? 

Sigismund Yes, Sevna, the affair 

Of yesternight has proved most difficult. 



PRINCE TVO OF BOHEMIA 49 

And in hopes that you may help to knit it up 
These gentlemen have asked a word with you. 

Sevna (turning to them with dignity) 

Sirs, I can do nothing, but I pray for peace. 

And gladly I would help you if I could. 

What do you ask } How stands the matter now } 

Constant 

My lady, the king's anger waxes high. 

Ivo is free, but only on the terms 

That he shall cross the frontier ere the night. 

And then King Budimir will march to take 

In pitiless war his vengeance on our land. 

We beg of you then to implore the king 

To restrain his passion. Promise anything 

From us. Point out the evils it must bring 

On your own land, if to her ally she 

Turn enemy. Remember Austria, 

The Huns, our foes on every side. This league 

Of ours must not be broken. You will undertake 

This mission, stop the war, O will you not } 

Sevna 

It seems a little thing to promise you 

That I will intercede; but yet 'tis more 

Than you imagine. Once before I tried 

To save a friend who had crossed the king, and oh. 

His wrath was terrible. I dare not strain 

His love for me so far. 

Constant But think, the stakes! 



50 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Two kingdoms' fortunes hang upon the cast; 
And you alone are left to turn their fate. 

Sevna 

But even should I strive with all my might 
My voice is useless. I know he will not hear. 

Constant (low and 'pleadingly) 

Must you and I then be each other's foes ? 
Must I draw sword against your native land ? 
Must we forget last night, and let our hopes 
Perish amid the blood and hate of war ? 
Will you let me ride away, and wreck forever 
The happiness which last night seemed so near? 

Sevna 

It is not fair of you to urge me thus. 
You know that what I can do shall be done. 
But if you take it a favor to yourself. 
My lord, you greatly err. 

Constant (fuming to the others with a quiet note of triumph) 

She gives consent. 
So Ivo, let us hope. 

Ivo Small hope, I fear. 

Sigismund 

When, Sevna, will you go ? 

Sevna Till afternoon 

No chance of audience. 

Ivo Then, Constant, come. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 51 

I passed my word that I'd not linger here, 
And I am choking in this cursed land. 

Constant 

But, Ivo, were it not better I should wait 

And see the matter through? If aught results 

You'll need an envoy here. 

Ivo What, Constant, stay? 

Constant 

It would be better. We'll need to follow up 
Any advantage gained. 

Ivo Let me go home 

To fight and you stay here? 

Constant Within a day 

I'll follow if it's war. You know the king : 
And even if the princess should succeed, 
Would he send us an embassy to say 
We'll swallow down your words ? No, I must wait 
To treat between us and see that you return 
To make apology. 

Ivo You must come now. 

I cannot go alone to face my father. 

Constant 

I appeal to Princess Sevna's judgment here. 
My lady, were it better I return 
Or stay to serve in this affair? 

Sevna My lords. 



52 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Since you have asked me, I shall be most glad 
As best I can to pacify the king. 
But alone, without support or help from you, 
I cannot dream of acting. 

Ivo Then you have won. 

You ever were too subtle for my brain. 

{Aside to Constant) 
But, Constant, for once you've let a woman's face 
Defeat your nobler self and shame your will. 
You would not let me stay, but you have stayed. 
Duke Sigismund, I now must bid farewell, 
I have taxed your patience. Princess, you I owe 
Deepest amends for wild and insulting words. 
And that you have let me speak with you to-day 
And even offered on my behalf to plead 
Shows that your heart is of Heaven, not of earth. 
I wish you peace. 

Sevna I have no cause for anger. 

You meant no harm. Farewell. 

Ivo (to Constant) And you, old friend - 

Who knows what fate's to come ? This parting here 
May be for many days, and when again 
We give the silent clasp of brotherhood. 
It may be only as a last farewell, 
When, 'mid the wreck of all that we have loved. 
We pledge our faith once more, and go to death. 

Constant 

Ivo, I'll come. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 53 

Ivo (nodding almost imperceptibly at Scvna) 
No, stay; fate wills it thus. 
May Heaven guard your path and hers. 

Constant Farewell. 

Exit Ivo. 
Sevna 

He's gone. 
Constant drops into a chair and buries his face in his hands. 

Sigismund 

Lord Constant, I have some aflFairs 
Demand my presence; I esteem your course 
In seeking to repair this damage done 
Most worthy, and I shall be honored while 
You stay my guest. 

Constant My deepest thanks, my lord, 

I cannot but accept such courtesy. 

Exit Sigismund. 
Constant approaches Sevna and they look earnestly at each 
other. 
Sevna 

Prince Ivo loves you ! 

Constant Ay, would that I were 

A little worthy of the love he bears me. 

Sevna 

I never have beheld in any men 

Such perfectness of loyalty and faith, 

Such generous friendship and such true-hearted love, 

As you and he possess. 



54 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Constant I used to think 

I loved him so, but now I have broken faith, 
I have sent him back alone and I stay here 
Inactive, while he bears his heavy weight 
Without the help and strength w.hich I could give. 

Sevna 

But you stay here for noble purposes ! 

Constant 

I try to make myself believe it. Had 
He left in anger I could not forgive 
Myself, but he in love acquitted me. 

Sevna 

I do not understand. 

Constant Do you not see 

What motive lay behind the plans I made 
To keep myself here? 

Sevna (drawing back) 

No, unless — 

Constant Unless 

I stayed because I could not bring myself 
To part from some one here. 

Sevna You must not speak 

Like this. 

Constant No, but I must speak out. 
I cannot let you act in blindness now 
And then disclose what led me thus to work 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 55 

Upon you and persuade you to my will. 
And yet I am not wholly double-tongued, 
I meant each word, and I still cherish hope, 
For all our sakes, that you will have success 
' And close this breach. Indeed I was sincere. 
But yet what led me to contrive this course 
Was that it suffered me to stay with you. 
I could not go, my princess. 

Sevria Oh, how blind 

And weak I've been! You pleaded on the ground 
Of friendship, but I never thought your words 
Had greater depth. 

Constant And last night, Sevna, then 

Did we not reach the depths ? Through all the world 
We two have sought each other, and at last 
The search is ended. Shall we go so far 
For love and then refuse it when we find ? 

Sevna (slowly) 
I do not love you. 

Constant Oh, you deceive yourself. 

Last night as your heart beat against my own 
I knew that love had triumphed, and now will you 
Draw back for fear, and wreck our happiness.^ 

Sev7ia 

Lord Constant, you have heard me say: 

I do not love you. Will not one word suffice? 

Henceforth remember that between our lands 



56 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Is bitter enmity. But yet, what I 
Have promised to Prince Ivo I will do, 
Go to the king. And then when I return 
In failure, as it will be, I will see 
You have safe conduct to your native land. 
And now I beg you go and leave me here. 

Constant 

As you command me, princess, I obey. 
But have you no other word for me, one which 
I may, when memories of last night return. 
Recall to know that what I hoped and felt 
Was not delusion? 

Sevna No. 

Constant No ? Then adieu. 

Exit Constant. 
Sevna turns and gazes into the fire. 
Sevna 

" I do not love you," so I said to him. 

But death, will your approach be bitterer 

Than this constraint which makes me say these words ? 

" I do not love you," — nay, but I do love. 

With love that grips my heart with stifling clutch 

When I resist it. I would throw myself 

Within those arms stretched out to clasp me close — 

To throw myself and then forget all else. 

Lose all my thoughts in one deep ecstasy! 

I know I could forget within those arms, 

The world would be shut out, I'd only feel 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 57 

Myself enfolded in that guarding clasp, 
And all his strength would ever hold me safe. 
How weak we women are ! Nothing more weak ! 
But strength, the proudest gift God gives to earth, 
The strength of arm, of intellect, of will ! 
And in his every fiber quivers strength. 
And yet I can command it; how he begged 
A word from me, and then, when I refused. 
Went broken from my presence. At a glance 
From me he'd come again, and I could sway 
Him at my fancy. His pain or happiness 
Lie in my power, his fear, his joy, or hope; 
And if I chose to draw him to my feet. 
His deepest, fullest homage would be mine. 
But, heart, be still. Let not these golden dreams 
Torment with thoughts of that which cannot be. 
I am the daughter of a king, and if 
My duty calls me to forget this man 
Whose rank and nation sunder him so far 
From my position, I too can be strong, 
And face my destiny with steady eyes. 

Curtain 



ACT IV 

Two Weeks Later. 
Scene 1 

The tower of Ottocar^s castle at sunset. 
Ottocar, Ivo. 
Ottocar 

Then in this war which now is being raised 
Between your country and Bulgaria 
You ask me as an ally, with the pledge 
That I will put five thousand men afield 
To harass proud Budimir as on his march 
He passes through these mountains. 

Ivo Yes, and think, 

Bulgaria already hates you much, 
And while her troops are out on this campaign 
She will not let the fair occasion slip 
To pay old scores with Ottocar the Black. 

Ottocar 

Bulgarian cowards, every man a dog. 

If they come hither, by Heaven they'll taste the sword ! 

Ivo 

They shall ! mth Serbia to vex their flank 
And us in front, we'll send King Budimir 
Back faster than he comes. 

58 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 59 

Ottocar Oh, I should hkc 

To tread him in the dust. He caught my men, 
A hundred of them once, and on the spot 
He butchered them. I need revenge for that. 

Ivo 

Together we will have it. Out with swords! 
Down with Bulgaria ! Up, Ottocar, 
And fair Bohemia! 

Ottocar Do\^^l with the dogs! 

Excitedly they draw swords and clash them together in the 
air. 

Ottocar (cunningly) 

But the terms ? My men are not yet under arms. 
What is it that the noble king your father 
Bade you to offer when he sent you here ? 

Ivo 

Pay for your men while they are in the field, 

A hberal settlement of past disputes, 

And a hundred thousand silver marks weighed down. 

Besides, he asks you that which I myself 

Most keenly wish, that you will give to me 

Your daughter. Lady Kara, as my wife. 

And future queen. 

Ottocar I liked you, prince, at once. 

When I heard that you had dared to risk it here 
And throw yourself within the old wolf's fangs 
For the sake of her fair face. 'Twas boldly done. 



60 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Prince Ivo, and by Heaven I think you fit 

To match the freest blood these mountains boast. 

Ivo 

Then strike alHance. 

Ottocar Gladly that I will. 

Here's wishing Kara safe upon your throne. 

Ivo 

Amen to that. 

Ottocar Then since we've made our terms, 

I know your wish — so, prince, if you will wait 
I'll bid my daughter come. 

Ivo For this my thanks. 

Exit Ottocar. 
Well, Constant, I will have a tale for you. 
You'll see that there can be diplomacy 
In which you have no finger. Oh, I hope 
I'll find him home again when I return. 
Enter Kara 
Kara 

Prince Ivo. 

Ivo Kara, at last! But three short weeks 

Have lapsed since we stood here that fateful night. 
And yet for me the centuries have rolled 
An endless course since then; for these long days 
Have kept me from your side and oft it seemed 
That baleful fortune stood across the path 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 01 

I wished to follow, the path that led to you. 
But yet against the hindrances of fate, 
Against ambition, duty, and the love 
I owed my father, I have set my will 
And fought my way, until at last I come. 
All barriers past, to claim you for my own. 

Kara 

My father tells me that you seek your queen 
Among these mountains; surely you mistake. 
Can these wild crags and wilder race bring forth 
One worthy of the state and dignity, 
The pomp and splendor of your palaces ? 
No, go your way, the daughter of the hills 
Is all too simple, too unskilled of speech. 
To suit your courtly ways. 

Ivo 'Tis you mistake. 

I come not here to offer majesty 
Enthroned above all lesser rank and fame. 
My crown is not the imperial crown of Rome, 
Which exalts its wearer to the Pope's own height. 
The Sword of God on earth. I ask of you 
To be a warrior's bride, to join with one 
Whose kingdom, hard beset, can be maintained 
By desperate courage only. You will know 
The soldier's camp, the stress and rush of war. 
The life of struggle in the open air. 
And together we will beat the foemen back 
And on their downfall raise our fame so high 
That our exploits will be the theme for song, 



62 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Heroic balladry, that shall survive 

When we are gone, to keep our memory fresh 

And strong forever in men's pulsing hearts. 

Kara (who has drawn near to Ivo and laid her hand on his arm, 
as it lies along the battlements) 
How brave you are, and on your face those scars 
Tell stories of the fights of former days. 
Which we have heard of, even 'mid these rocks. 

Ivo 

Old fights .'' Yes, fortune somehow favored me 

And I've escaped from many a bloody field 

Where better men have fallen. But perhaps 

Some day the luck will change. Perhaps even now 

In this approaching war the time will come 

When I am called to lay my weapons down 

And go unarmed to meet the last stem foe. 

The chance of battle ever waits : but when 

It falls, I would not go unnerved and faint. 

I want to hear a voice that bids: be strong! 

I want to feel a hand that lies in mine 

When death is hard upon me. For my queen 

I wish for one who will share my fate with me [low. 

Though the storm break black and the thunder-cloud hang 

And in your face I read the courage high, 

The nobility of spirit and the faith 

Which will make our love the love of those who go 

TJnfrightened down the devious path of life. 

Then, Kara, will you come.? I offer you, 

Instead of peace and quiet, happy days. 



TRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA G3 

A future perilous jmd full of doubt; 
But with it — love. Come. 

Kara Ivo, yes, I come. 

Curtain 

Scene 2 

Hall in Sigismund' s Palace as in Act III. 

Time, the same as in Scene 1. 

Sigismnnd, Servant. 
Sigismund 

Request the Princess Sevna to come here, 
And Lord Constant also. 

Sevna enters first and goes to the duke. 

Sigismund Welcome, my dear Sevna. 

Sevna 

Dear uncle, is there news ? 

Sigismund Yes, news has come. 

But wait. 

Enter Constant 
Constant I am at your service, my lord duke. 
My greetings, Princess Sevna. 
She bows reservedly to him. 

Sigismund Welcome, my lord, 

I am glad that you have come. 

Constant My lord, I hope 

This summons means that the state of my aflFairs 



04 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Has had a change, for I regret indeed 

Having been a burden and a care to you. 

And for these days that you have sheltered me 

Against the king, I am most beholden to you. 

But now I hope the time has come at last 

When either I am free to go, or else 

I had better yield myself a prisoner 

And disburden you of this unsought for weight. 

Sigismund 

My lord, you are my guest, who came in peace. 
And in peace you shall go hence, if my poor strength 
Can compass it. But shortly we shall know 
The outcome of this matter; for but just now 
There came a message to me from the king. 
Saying his preparations all are made. 
And that to-morrow he will take the field 
Against Bohemia. But before he goes. 
He will settle the question which he left in doubt. 
Of your affairs, my lord. 

Constant I am glad of that. 

I am eating my soul out here. 

Sevna (to Sigismund) This room is cold. 

Where is my Persian shawl, your gift to me ? 

Sigismimd 

I'll have it brought at once. 
He summons a servant. 

The princess' shawl. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA Gr, 

Constant (ivho has looked eagerly around the room and found a 
shawl) 
Is this the one you ^vish ? 

Sevna No, here is mine. 

She takes one from the servant, who has returned, and coldly 
rejects the one Constant offers. 

Sigismund 

And regarding you, my niece, this message runs: 
Your father says he sees no ground of blame 
In you for what you said; that he was wroth 
He now repents. He knows you love him well, 
And that you pleaded for his enemies 
Proves not you love them more than him, but that 
With woman's softness you at once forgive 
Those that insult you worst. And hence that he 
May show his love to you, and, ere he goes 
To enter on the hazards of the war. 
May make full reparation for his wrath. 
And receive your daughterly obedience. 
He comes to-day to call upon us here. 
And by his presence set at rest the points 
On which we've waited. 

Sevna You have good news indeed. 

Constant 

My lord, I thank you for your courtesy. 
And now have you aught else to say to me ? 
If not, I ask your leave to go. The king 



66 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Will find me most submissive to his will. 
I wait his judgment. 

Exit Constant. 
Sigismund Sevna, you have shown 

Great wisdom in your conduct toward this lord. 
It cannot but serve to calm your father's mind 
When he shall learn how you have held aloof 
From conversation with him. 

Sevna I have tried, 

Dear unqle, to show myself most loyal 
And to act on what I knew would be his wish. 
But you can never know how these long days 
Of cold suspense, with my father's bitter words 
Still ringing in my ears, have tried my faith. 
If I was not to see his face again 
As he had threatened, where did duty lie ? 
Oh, fierce rebellion and wrath for wrath have surged 
So high within my heart of late, that I 
Have almost wished to fling him back his scorn 
And seek a refuge in Prince Ivo's camp. 
I have been very sad, but now this news 
Means, I am sure, ail will be well again, — 
As well as it can ever be for one 
Whose heart is crushed beneath death's heavy clods 
Before the life has left it. 

There is a noise and footsteps outside and tJien the king^s 
voice is heard. 

King Budimir Ho, Sigismund! 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 67 

Where art thou ? 

He enters, followed by a group of nobles. Sevna rushes to 
him and falls on her knees before him, seizing his hand. 

Sevna Father. 

KiJig Budimir Up, daughter, up. 

I am the one who begs for grace to-day. 
Brother, I wish you health. 

Sigismund My Hege. 

King Budimir My lords, 

We meet in private here. Wait you below. 

Exeunt attending lords. 

Has the princess heard my message? 
Sigismund Yes, my liege. 

King Budimir 
Then, Sevna, all, I think, is understood. 
You did no Avrong, I spoke too hastily. 
But yet I like it not that you should show 
This easy disposition toward the men 
Who piled such shame and insult on your head- 
Why, girl, if this be passed by unrevenged. 
Your open scorn will be in all men's mouths. 
And so on your account I make this war, 
That all the world may know that Budimir 
Doth hold his daughter's honor dear as life, 
And takes fierce vengeance on her enemies. 

Sevna 

Dear father, I am sorry to have brought 
Such trouble to our land. 



68 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

King Budimir 'Twas not your fault. 

'Twas due to these accursed Bohemians, 
May they rue the day. And now this one that's here, 
Have you held him safe .'' 

Sigismidtd lie passed his word 

And he has kept it. 

King Budimir Good. I have decided 

That he shall live until this war is done, 
And then if I return with full success 
He shall die with Ivo. 

Sevna Father ! 

Sigismund But, my lord, 

He is my guest, my honor is pledged to him 
That he shall go in safety. 

King Budimir By my faith, 

I'll have no more of this. He is a spy, 
A cursed spy, who lies in wait to plot 
Against my kingdom: and if you harbor him. 
By Heaven, Sigismund, you share his guilt. 
I care not who you are. Within this realm 
I am the ruler, I. and no one else. 
Not you. And if you shield my enemies 
You shall taste my wrath like any common dog. 
Will you obey ? 

Sigismund You have the strength, my lord. 

And I must yield, though it disgrace my name. 



PRINCE rVO OF BOHEMIA 69 

King Budimir (to Sevna, who is on her knees in tears before him) 
Now, Sevna, what docs this mean ? Are you mad ? 
Are you beside yourself with grief for one 
Whom you did not yet know three weeks ago ? 
By all the saints, has he used his vile craft here ? 
Has this arch-traitor dared to win your soul ? 

Sigismund 

My lord, my lord, speak not so angrily. 
The princess has not spoke a word to him 
These many days. Upon my faith it's true. 

King Budimir 

Then what foul fiend has entered into her .'* 
Speak, girl; speak out, I say. 

Sevna My liege, this lord, — 

I gave to him my word, — I promised him 
Safe conduct to his land if he would stay. 
He stayed at my request. I needed aid 
In this affair, our effort after peace. 
I did not dare to go to you, unless 
I had advice and encouragement from him. 
Duke Sigismund will say I speak the truth. 
He is no spy nor traitor; he but stayed 
With noble purpose and sincere intent 
To win from you an opportunity 
For Ivo to make full amends for all. 
He is my guest as well as the lord duke's. 
And if you make me violate my pledge. 
The word of honor that I gave to him. 



70 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

You bring on me an infamy far worse 

Than tliis boy's heedless words could ever cause. 

Father, relent: send him away, I beg 

For my life and honor let him go from here. 

King Budimir 

By my faith, but this is strange, so deeply moved. 
And yet no words with him. I'll not believe it. 
Then, Sevna, while this man has tarried here, 
Have you been having frequent speech with him ? 

Sevna 

My lord, you heard my uncle say but now 
That I scarce have spoken to him. It is true. 

King Budimir 

No letters passed between you ? 

Sevna No, not one. 

King Budimir 

Has he never spoken word of love to you ? 

Sevna 

No — but I mean — that is — 

King Budimir Ha, what is this ? 

Sevna, speak plainly, is there intrigue here? 

Sevna 

Sire, your question took me by surprise, 
But there is naught to hide. This noble lord 
In honor told to me his love, and I — 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 71 

King Budimir 

And do you love him ? 

Sovna I refused to let him speak. 

Not once have I allowed myself to hear him. 

King Budimir 

You 4o not answer me : I ask of you, 
Do you love this Bohemian or not? 

Sevna 

Father, why must you goad my spirit thus. 
Yes, yes, I love him. I care not who knows. 
For him I've suffered till my soul is faint, 
Scourged and imprisoned each rebellious thought. 
Sent him away when my heart was hungering 
For word, for sight, for touch of him. And now 
You treat me as the meanest of your slaves. 
Put me to searching questions, doubt my word. 
Refuse to grant one thing I ask of you. 
So now, if you must know, then have the truth, 
I love Lord Constant and would die with him, 
Rather than live to rule Bulgaria. 

King Budimir turns and paces up and doivn across the 
room. Sevna sinks back into a chair. King Budimir 
at last comes and stands in front of her and says sternly 
but without anger. 

King Budimir 

Sevna, that you should love my enemy. 
And choose him over me, who gave you life, 
Opens a gap so wide between us two 



72 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

That not eternity can close it up. 

But yet you are my daughter; I cannot 

Take vengeance on you, cannot wish you pain. 

If ever I have crossed your will it was 

Because I sought to build your happiness, 

Which my clear planning could more surely do 

Than your wild and wayward fancies. But now that we 

Have chosen paths that lie so far apart, 

'Twere better each of us should go his way, 

I to defend the honor of our name, 

You to forget yourself in this man's arms. 

I have no hate for him, he's but the tool 

Of Ivo, and if your honor's pledged to him. 

If 'twas you that bade him stay, then let him stay. 

You cannot go to join our enemies. 

But if he chooses to stay here with you 

And swear allegiance to Bulgaria, 

You two may go and under Sigismund 

Live as you wish, if never you will come 

To bring my daughter's memory to my mind. 

You shall have time to choose. Do you and he 

Stay here till I return in safety home, — 

Then, Sevna, speak. But if you choose him not, 

He dies. I grant no middle course. My lord, 

See he escapes me not. And now, farewell. 

Exit King Budimir. 
Sigismund 

Sevna, I never saw your father thus. 
I would to Heaven these Bohemians 
Had never come to cause this sad dispute. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 73 

However, matters might have come out worse, 
x\nd Providence may yet set all aright. 
But now, Lord Constant has not yet heard his fate, 
And waits for the decision. I will send him here, 
That you may tell him of the things that passed. 
And then with him determine what you will. 
Is this accordant to your wish ? 

Sevna Thanks, uncle. 

Sigismund 

Then I will call him. 

Exit Sigismund. 
A few moments later enter Constant. 

Constant Princess Sevna, the duke 

Tells me the king has now announced his judgment, 
And he bade me come to you that at your lips 
I might learn my fate. But if I now intrude. 
Speak, and my presence shall not vex your sight. 

Sevna 

No, you must hear, so listen ; but if my words 

Can hardly tell their tale, forgive, I pray. 

This day has taxed my strength, our strife was bitter. 

And I am very weary. 

Constant Then why speak? 

To-morrow we can talk. 

Sevna No, better now. 

But first of all let me set right one point. 
If in these recent days you have found me cold, 



74 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

'Twas not because I felt displeased at you. 
Duty, and not my feeling, ruled my course. 
And in calmer times we might have met as friends. 

Constant 

Still friends ! O princess, is that true indeed ? 
You make my heart far lighter than it's been 
These many days. 

Sevna Yes, true indeed, my lord. 

But on the news I bring you from the king, 
You may not be so glad. You are not free. 
The king has taken pledge from Sigismund 
That he will hold you here a prisoner, 
Till the war is over and he himself returns. 

Constant 

Not free ! still forced to pace behind the bars 

While Ivo fights outside ? O I had hoped 

To reach the front and there in some wild charge 

To find the thrust that should bring forgetfulness, 

Since life and memory must ever be 

A burden and a pain. 

Sevna Athirst for death ? 

But could you call again that former dream 
Which one night threw its light across your heart, 
A dream of love and perfect comradeship, 
Would you still wish to die ? 

Constant What do you mean ? 

Princess, you madden a desperate man with thoughts 
Beyond endurance. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 75 

Sevna Could you find your peace 

In a quiet home among the silent hills, 
Far from war's tumults and the glare of courts ? 
Never return, and yet be happy there? 

Constant 

Sevna, Sevna, is there indeed a hope ? 
Dare I kneel here and look into your eyes 
And say : I love you ? 

Sevna Listen. When the king 

Came here, he swore that you should die, 
I interceded, then arose the strife 
Betwixt us; and he heard from me, that I 
Would rather die with you than live as queen 
Of all his realm. — Yes, Constant, I have loved, 
Loved from the first, though my lips spoke otherwise. — 
And then, although he said he never wished 
To look on me again, he bade us go 
And live in peace in Sigismund's domains. 

Constant 

Dear love, then you renounce your rank, your throne, 
And all for me? 

Sevna I pass from death, to live 

Where life is sweetest. 

Constant And if you had not pleaded. 

My life was doomed? 

Sevna Yes, only when he learned 

My love, he spared your life. 



76 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Constant If I were free 

To ride by Ivo's side and serve my king, 
My honor as a knight would rule supreme 
Above the dearest longing of my heart. 
But since my freedom is held in trust by you 
And I receive it only as your gift, 
I here reconsecrate to you my life, 
Vowing my love, my true and loyal faith 
Until the end. (He kisses her.) 

Sevna After the tempest — peace; 

After the struggle — rest; after the search — 
Thy love. 

Constant We two have traveled far afield, 
But love is worth the winning. 

Sevna Worth the pain. 

Curtain 



ACT V 

A turret chamber in King Budimir's palace, poorly furnished 
but with an open fire burning. 

The late ajternoon of a day three months later. 
Constant, Sevna, Captain of the Guard. 

Captain 

Here is the room in which the prince is lodged 
And the Princess Kara, but at present they are free 
To walk on the parapets. Shall I call them hither ? 

Constant 

No, shorten not their last look at God's world. 
We will wait their coming. 

Captain As you will. I stand 

Outside, my lord, till you return. 

Constant 'Tis good. 

Sevna, my heart beats slow and my blood is cold, 
To think that I am standing in the room 
From which to-morrow Ivo goes to death. 
Before this moment all the horror of it 
Had never reached my mind. I only thought 
Of him the hero, fearless and debonair. 
Going to death, no matter what its form, 
W 77 



78 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Like a reveler bound homeward from a feast. 
Who leaves behind the wine, the lamps, his friends. 
And steps alone into the black of night 
With a song upon his lips. For Ivo thus 
There's more of pride and kindling of romance 
Than tears and sorrow. But now I see the axe. 
The block, the stroke, and then the headless corpse! 

God, to think that Ivo will lie there, 

Dead, dead forever, torn and rent and bleeding. 
Never again to speak, to move, to love! 

1 have often thought of death, but not till now 
Have I seen its fearfulness. 

Sevna (coming close to him) You now can know 
What I felt when I heard the stern decree 
That you must perish : all this and tenfold more 
Shot over me when I pictured you as dead. 

Constant {drawing away from her) 
O Sevna, even now my heart is cleft. 
What right have I to live and breathe and love 
When Ivo lies in death? We two have sworn 
That we would ride together to the end. 
Now, Ivo, am I failing you .'' Am I afraid 
To charge with you to the press of the last hard fight ? 
Has my soul been bought by kisses and the arms 
That hold me fast ? Have I betrayed my faith ? 

Sevna (flinging herself upon him in an agony of apprehension) 
No, no, O Constant, remember all again; 
You could not go to him. You have not failed. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 79 

Your will was tied, you were a prisoner, 
And you have vowed again your life to me. 
It is mine, not Ivo's. 

Constant Yes, love, it is yours. 

What need to search again these painful wounds ? 

I have fought the question out through sleepless nights, 

Ivo or Sevna ? and never have I found 

The point of honor that calls me from your side 

To die a useless death. 

Sevtia O Constant, Constant! 

How could you even dream of doing this ? 
'Twould be a lesser thing to you to die 
Than for me to live and face the weary years 
When you had gone forever from my life. 

Constant 

That fear is ended now, my choice is made. 

But yet the deep misgiving will not rest : 

Because it is harder, is it not the right ? 

For from many struggles I have learned this truth : 

In time of doubt the harder choice is best, 

Since the conflict lies between the thing we want 

And that higher sense that bids us do the right, 

Though life seem blasted. But though we seem to lose. 

Yet through the insiglit brought by later days 

We see we chose the way that led to peace. 

For of a deed or word that we call good 

Has never man repented, but the ill 

He oft would seek to wipe out with his blood. 



80 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Sevna 

Ah, Constant, how you have enriched my Hfe, 
Solved my perplexities, dispelled my doubts! 
How precious hold I all I've learned from you ! 
And even if God should take you from me now 
I should be stronger than I was before. 
For you have taught me where to find the light. 

Constant 

But hush, they come. 

Enter Ivo and Kara. There is an air of constraint over all. 
Ivo und Constant come forward and take each other's 
hands, leaving Sevna and Kara in the background. 

Ivo Well Constant, I am glad 

You are not co-lodger here. 

Constant I would to Heaven 

That you were not here, Ivo. 

Ivo Fate, my friend. 

My star was never lucky. In good faith. 
If after a battle I came out alive 
I always felt I'd had my share of luck, 
Without a thought of who had won the day. 
Or rather, say, I never had the luck 
To get killed in battle. 

Constant Ivo, this is fearful. 

Would I were in your place. 

Ivo That's not to be. 

I've run my course, yours lies out fair ahead. 

There is a sJiort pause. Then Constant speaks painfully. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 81 

Cmistant 

You gave yourself, I hear, to save your land. 
The nobility that you have always showed 
Shone out in that. 

Ivo 'Twas plain enough to do. 

King Budimir was tired of the siege. 
His men were falling faster than he liked. 
And the Serbians were plundering behind him, 
So he proposed to arrange the terms of peace 
By which the true offender should pay the price 
And the innocent not suffer. It's Kara here, 
Who rather chose to follow me to death 
Than stay behind and live, whom you should praise. 

Constant (going to Kara and about to kiss her hand) 
Permit me to offer my obedience. 
My princess. 

Kara Touch me not, Bulgarian. 

Constant {syringing back) 
Who dares to say I'm that.'' 

Kara And are you not.? 

To-morrow Ivo goes to meet his death, 
A hero's death, at the hand of one whose heart 
Is black with pride and cruel revengefulness. 
No, Ivo, I care not who hears, the world 
Should hear, if my voice but had the strength. 
He dies, and you, whose place should be beside him, 
Go straight from where his headless body lies 
To kiss his murderer's hand and swear to him 



82 PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

Your fealty and true allegiance; all 

That you may wed the daughter of this king 

Who slays the man who loved you, honored you; 

And so from weakness you turn renegade. 

Is this your knightly honor ? this your faith ? 

O how could Ivo, whose soul is like the stars. 

Ever have called you friend ? Bulgarian — 

Do you scorn the name ? Then why do you make it yours ? 

Constant {staggering hack with his face between his hands) 
Blind, bhnd, how blind! my soul has played me false. 
A thousand arguments have proved me right, 
But yet within my heart of hearts I knew 
That only could I gain my liberty 
With my dishonor. 

The Captain of the Ckiards enters and speaks to Constant. 

Captain Sir, your time has lapsed. 

At sunset, by the king's command, these doors 
Are shut and locked and none may come or go. 

Constant (drawing his sword and Jianding it to the Captain) 
Take this to Budimir and say to him 
That Lord Constant chooses to remain behind. 
To share Prince Ivo's lot. 

Captain The princess, then ? 

Constant 

She goes alone. Go, Sevna. Go with haste 
For I cannot endure. 

He goes to her as she stands helpless under the shock and 
gently leads her away. 



PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 83 

Sevna Is this larewell? 

Con^'tant 

Ay, Sevna, till we meet whore love is endless 
And hate and death are powerless to harm. 
He kisses her. 

Sevna 

My heart had warned me this was doomed to be. 
Our love was never made to find on earth 
The stilling of its restlessness. Farewell. 
Eternal peace be thine. 

She ivitlidraics from him and is suddenly gone. Outside is 
heard the shutting of the gates and the noise of draw- 
ing heavy bolts. All stand in silence, then Kara comes 
to Ivo. 

Kara The hour grows late 

And I must write. Do you sit here and talk. 
And when I've done I'll come again to you. 
Lord Constant of Bohemia, your hand, 
True knight and loyal friend. 

Ivo Come, Constant, come. 

We've many things to say and time is short. 
And we must here renew the comradeship 
Of the glorious years that we have traveled through. 
We've many a tale that we must tell to-night 
Before we know each other as of old, 
When every thought was in the other's keeping 
Almost before it could shape itself in words. 
So, Constant, although the cup that we must drink 



84 . PRINCE IVO OF BOHEMIA 

To-morrow is not the one we used to quaff, 

Let's take it in the old true-hearted way. 

Face to face, hand in hand, and the pledge upon our lips, 

Regretting not the past we cannot help. 

And without a fear of the future that's to be. 

While Ivo is speaking he draws Constant to a chair before 

the fire and the curtain goes down upon the two men 

sitting there together. 



THE END 



OCT 15 190P 



